Letter from the Staff

It’s a wrap on July, and it's been a month that took the word "independent" seriously. There were fireworks for it on the 4th, and then Independents Month took it from there, thanks in part to organizations like AMIBA for keeping the spotlight on independent businesses all month long. As we close it out, it feels like the right time to point out something you probably already know but maybe haven't thought about lately: independence isn't just a holiday around here; it's in our name. (Also, Robin is off enjoying some well-deserved time away, so you're stuck with us, Alexis and Emily, for this one.)

So as Independents Month wraps up, we want to use this letter to remind you why SIMBA exists: to help Spokane's independent businesses and nonprofits not just survive, but actually thrive.

A $25 consultation can help you get real answers, whether you’re navigating a business license, improving your marketing, or creating a professional business plan without spending thousands of dollars. Our workshops are free, offered monthly (sometimes more), and include follow-up emails with slides and resources so you have everything you need after the session. Plus, we run and operate Live Local INW, where every local business can receive a free listing that puts you in front of people visiting the site to find independent, local businesses.

Beyond that, SIMBA is here for the essential behind-the-scenes support that helps businesses stay on track: Washington-specific regulatory reminders, affordable registered agent services to help keep filing deadlines from becoming a surprise, marketing packages designed for businesses that aren’t ready for a large agency, virtual mailing addresses for home-based businesses, and fiscal sponsorship for emerging nonprofits working toward their own tax-exempt status.

Add a SIMBA membership to the mix, and you gain access to a network of entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community members who understand the challenges and opportunities of building something local.

Independent doesn't mean alone. That's what this month was really about, and it's the whole point of SIMBA. Being independent means you get to chart your own course, but you don't have to do it without a crew. Sign up for a consult. Come to a workshop. Bring your business idea to us. Show up to a member event. We'll be right here, cheering you on and putting resources in your hands.

Warmly, Alexis McLaughlin and Emily Phelps

P.S. Robin, if you're reading this: we kept the newsletter running, and nobody set anything on fire. You're welcome.

*Photo from our testimonial video filming day with Nick at* *Theta Studios, featuring Ashley from* *The Guardian Spokane* *and* *Vertical Elements Entertainment* *sharing her SIMBA story.*

SIMBA UPDATES

28,978 visits in May. That’s almost 30,000 opportunities to connect people with local businesses and Eastern Washington nonprofits.

Every day, people are searching for places to shop, eat, hire, and support locally. Live Local INW helps them discover independent businesses, nonprofits, artists, and makers all in one convenient directory.

Own a local business or nonprofit? Listing your organization is FREE! It's an easy way to increase your visibility, reach new customers, and be part of a growing network that supports Eastern Washington's local economy.

Already listed? Make sure your profile is up to date. Refresh your hours, contact information, products, services, photos, and website so customers can easily find and choose your business.

As an added benefit, SIMBA members receive priority placement in search results, giving their businesses even more visibility.

Looking to shop local? Discover your next favorite business on Live Local INW and keep your dollars in Eastern Washington, where they help strengthen our local communities.

Current Grant & Loan Opportunities

In our ongoing commitment to supporting the success of the local businesses we serve, SIMBA actively seeks out grant opportunities that align with their needs! We can assist in navigating the application process, offering guidance and support every step of the way. If you want help applying for any of these grants, simply complete this short intake form. Grants are RARE for for-profit businesses outside of research fields, so make sure to apply for grants that may be available.

Entreprenista Evolve Grant

The Entreprenista Evolve Grant provides funding to help women entrepreneurs scale established businesses. Offered quarterly by Entreprenista in partnership with GIMME Beauty, the grant is designed for revenue-generating businesses that are ready for their next stage of growth. Some general details:

Awards a $5,000 cash grant each quarter to support business growth and expansion;
Open to U.S.-based, woman-owned or woman-led businesses that have been operating for at least 12 months;
Applicants must generate at least $100,000 in annual revenue and be beyond the startup or idea stage;
Funding can be used for growth initiatives, business investments, operations, marketing, hiring, technology, or other strategic needs;
Applications are evaluated primarily on innovation and differentiation (80%), with additional consideration given to impact and advancement of women (20%);
Previous Entreprenista grant winners within the last 12 months are not eligible to apply.

Applications are accepted every quarter. Learn more here!

McMillan Family Foundation Empowerment Micro-Grant

The McMillan Family Foundation Empowerment Micro-Grant provides funding to help minority entrepreneurs launch or grow their businesses. The quarterly grant is designed to support business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs by providing seed funding for business development and expansion. Some general details:

Awards $1,500 micro-grants every quarter;
Open to minority-owned businesses operating in the United States, including aspiring entrepreneurs with a defined business idea and existing business owners seeking growth;
Grant funds may be used for startup costs, business expansion, technology, equipment, inventory, marketing, branding, professional development, coaching, training, certifications, or educational expenses;
Applicants must demonstrate alignment with the Foundation's values of integrity, accountability, and community impact;
Funds cannot be used for personal expenses, debt repayment, political activities, or unrelated travel and entertainment;

Applications are currently open through the current quarterly application period. Learn more here!

Melissa Washington Small Business Award

The Melissa Washington Small Business Award, offered by Women Veterans Giving, provides funding and business support to help women veterans start or grow their businesses. In addition to grant funding, recipients receive coaching, recognition, and opportunities to connect with the veteran business community. Some general details:

Awards up to $5,000 to support a new or expanding business;
Open to women veterans, including those currently serving on active duty;
Applicants may be in the startup phase or already operating a business. Startups without financial statements may submit financial projections instead;
Businesses are evaluated based on innovation, resilience, and positive community impact;
Recipients receive business assessment, coaching, a certificate of recognition, the Melissa Washington Small Business Award brooch, and additional business support;
Three finalists are selected and receive complimentary conference registration and hotel accommodations to attend the Veterans in Business (VIB) Network National Conference, where the award is presented. Attendance is encouraged but not required to receive the award;
Applicants must submit a profit and loss statement or tax return (or financial projections for startups) and a headshot with their application.

Applications are accepted annually. Learn more here!

Upcoming Events

**Accident Prevention Program (APP) Workshop**
Part 2 with David Jeary
Join us for a workshop led by David Jeary from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), focused on building an effective **Accident Prevention Program (APP)** for your business.
**Did you know an APP is required for all Washington businesses?** We’ll walk through the essential components, help you identify common workplace hazards, and guide you in choosing the right topics and materials for your team. You’ll also have dedicated time to start developing your own program, with access to expert guidance and additional resources.
**Please bring your laptop—we’ll review the L&I template together so you can begin building your APP in real time.**
**Date & Time:** Monday, September 14, 2026 | 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
**Location:** Liberty Park Library
402 S. Pittsburg St., Spokane, WA 99202
**Zoom Option Available**

Business Tip: WA Cares

The WA Cares Fund is an affordable long-term care insurance program that provides most Washington workers a way to earn long-term care benefits that will be available when they need them.

By contributing 0.58% of your paycheck, you can earn up to $36,500 to pay for covered services and supports, including in-home personal care, home modifications, home-delivered meals, and more.

As of May 18, Washingtonians who have contributed to WA Cares can begin applying for benefits.

To get started, create a benefits account and fill out a brief online application. You can also call 844-CARE4WA to have a WA Cares team member guide you through the online application.

WA Cares will check whether you’ve met the contribution requirement and care needs requirements. You can meet the contribution requirement through one of three pathways. Any worker can earn full benefits through the temporary and permanent pathways. Near and recent retirees (born before 1968) can also access partial benefits through the transition pathway.

To confirm that you meet the care needs requirement, WA Cares must determine that you need help with three or more activities of daily living and will continue to need help for at least 90 days.

Once benefits become available July 1, you can start receiving covered services and supports from a WA Cares provider.

To learn more, visit wacaresfund.wa.gov.

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